MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
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PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext. 202
Fax: +37410. 565601
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
24-10-2007
Minister Oskanian meets with Ambassador Christian Strohal
On October 24, 2007, Foreign Minister Oskanian met with Ambassador Christian
Strohal, Director of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human
Rights, based in Warsaw, to recap their assessment of the progress made
during the 2007 parliamentary elections and to talk about the preparatory
steps for 2008.
Mr. Strohal was in Armenia on a working visit to begin preparations for the
presidential elections in 2008.
Ambassador Strohal stressed that although democracy is not just about
elections, elections are an indicator of a society’s understanding of and
responsibility towards democracy. He reiterated ODIHR’s position that the
momentum built by the positive marks received by the parliamentary elections
needs to be maintained.
Minister Oskanian repeated Armenia’s appreciation for ODIHR`s work, and
confirmed that there is an understanding of the importance of good
elections. He said the Armenian government remains ready to work with ODIHR
to assure that the conclusions are based on solid documentation and ensure
objectivity,so that the assessment are both fair judgments and good learning
tools.